Doug Foote's 15-year tenure as men's coach at Marietta ended Monday afternoon when he submitted his resignation to athletics director Debbie Lazorik.

The Pioneers closed out the 2006-07 season with a 74-68 loss to Baldwin-Wallace on Saturday, Feb. 17. Marietta finished 5-20.

"We appreciate all of the time and hard work that Doug gave to us during his 15 seasons at Marietta College, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors," Lazorik said. "Doug and his staff have been working hard on the recruiting trail and it is important that those recruits know we are going to be diligent and expeditious in finding the best possible replacement that we can."

Lazorik said a nationwide search for a new head coach would begin immediately. Assistant basketball coach Mike Snell, who is also the men's head tennis coach, will remain on staff to keep the program moving forward during the search process.

"I can't begin to describe how much I have appreciated the support of the Foster Parent program, Pioneer basketball family, Marietta College community and the city of Marietta over the last 15 years," said Foote. "My family and I have sincerely enjoyed our time in Marietta and want

to extend our thanks to all of those who have made us welcome in the Mid-Ohio Valley."

Foote, who went 147-288 with the Pioneers, matched Frank Hayes, who coached from 1927-42, for the second-longest tenure in Marietta's 103-year history of men's basketball. Phil Roach, who led the Pioneers from 1970-89, was the longest coach to hold the position, coaching 19 seasons.

Foote guided the Pioneers to the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament championship game in 1995-96, only to fall by one point in the title game against Baldwin-Wallace. Then in 1997-98, the Pioneers neared the pinnacle again as they upset top-seeded John Carroll to advance to the OAC semifinals.

However, Foote's best record came during the 1999-2000 season when the Pioneers went 17-8. The past three seasons have been a struggle as Marietta went a combined 12-63.

Marietta, which loses three players to graduation, will open the 2007-08 season at a tournament at Gettysburg on Nov. 16-17. The Pioneers are also slated to participate in Allegheny's tournament on Nov. 23-24 in addition to hosting the 36th annual Marietta Shrine Tournament Dec. 29-30